Women’s Development team continue to progress : Royal Navy Rugby Union

Women’s Development team continue to progress

RN Women (Dev)

Hampshire Barbarians

Rachel Carragher goes in for the tackle

The Navy Women found space to play running rugby

The Royal Navy look to steal the line out ball

The RNRU Women continue to attract new players

The Royal Navy Rugby Union Women’s development side continued to progress with a decisive victory against the Hampshire Barbarians at HMS Temeraire.

The Royal Navy Rugby Union Women’s Development team hosted a Hampshire Barbarians side on a cold December evening at HMS Temeraire. Due to the number of players available, this was a true community development match with the teams playing three 20 minute sessions in a fast paced evening of rugby.

The game started with the Barbarians launching a sustained attack that the Royal Navy struggled to contain. Some early handling errors enabled the visitors to quickly establish a 10 point lead. The Navy quickly regrouped and were able to mount a determined attack which resulted in a try from Steph Armstrong which was converted by Rhian Dilmore. Despite some good passages of play from both sides the first 20 minutes finished 7-10.

The second 20 minutes began with a strong attack from the Navy. Excellent handling skills by Abi Sondack and Poppy Stillman, combined with a determined drive by Rosie Dixon took the Navy into a strong position in the visitors 22. The Navy conceded a penalty which was quickly taken advantage of and the Navy found themselves again defending. The Navy again conceded a penalty, however the visitors were unable to take advantage due to a knock on in the resultant line out. The Navy mounted a rapid attack form the subsequent scrum, which was stopped due to a high tackle. A determined Navy side quickly passed the ball to Isobel Loxton who scored. Following the restart, a re-energized Navy team were able to rapidly score again and the second 20 minutes ended 17-10.

The Navy began the final 20 minutes determined to win the game. Poppy Stillman drove forward and passed to Abi Sondack who scored to give the Navy a 22-10 lead. Despite their best efforts the visitors were unable to breach the Navy’s robust defence. Handling errors enabled Steph Armstrong to rapidly make ground and score the final try of the match. This was converted by Rhian Dilmore and the match ended 29-10.

This match demonstrated the enthusiasm and ability of the Women’s development team. The next match will be played against the Swansea University on 22 Feb 19. Further details will be announced soon.

Team list: 1 Alice Kightly, 2 Charlotte Lacy, 3 Lucy Honeybell, 4 Abi Sondack, 5 Rhian Dilmore, 6 Isobel Loxton, 7 Maria Law, 8 Rosie Staples, 9 Poppy Stillman, 10 Rosie Dixon, 11 Ellen Bloxham, 12 Laura Thrustle, 13 Steph Armstrong, 14 Jenny Walton, 15 Steph Cole, 16 Rachel Carragher